Noriko Yamane

Congratulations on your retirement!

Looking back, I can say without hesitation that one of the best decisions I’ve ever made was contacting you in 2002. Thank you for accepting me as your PhD student and for guiding me with such remarkable patience, kindness, and wisdom. Your mentorship has had a lasting impact on my academic journey and who I am as an educator and researcher.

I treasure the experiences I had working with you — as a research assistant, a teaching assistant for LING 311, and during our weekly meetings, which always left me motivated and inspired. I’ll never forget the muffins you baked for the Stores Road research seminars, the bread you baked for the Christmas party at Totem Field Studios, and the festive Halloween gatherings. The Vancouver Phonology Group meetings downtown were another highlight — where your leadership created not just a space for academic discussion, but a true sense of community.

One moment I especially hold dear is from the time when I was spending long hours measuring phonetic data at Bryan’s lab, often working quietly on my own. One day, you came down from your office at Stores Road with your warm smile and said, “Hey, let’s just step outside for a moment,” and pointed to the sky — “Look at the sky, it’s a beautiful rainbow!” It was the first rainbow I had ever seen in Vancouver. That small gesture has stayed with me ever since. It wasn’t just about the rainbow — it reflected your outlook, your way of reminding us that beauty and inspiration are often just around us, if we take a moment to look. That gentle nudge to step away, even briefly, and appreciate the world beyond the data was a moment of unexpected kindness — and that mindset is something I continue to carry with me.

Another opportunity I’m especially grateful for was your support in exploring the use of ultrasound in language education. That project became a turning point in my academic journey, and even now, the eNunciate website and the YouTube videos remain valuable tools for my students. Thank you for encouraging me to pursue that path.

I also deeply appreciate the countless recommendation letters you wrote on my behalf over the years — they were not just endorsements but heartfelt acts of support that I will never forget.

I know you enjoy photography — capturing the beauty of nature and family moments — as well as cycling and traveling, and I imagine retirement will offer even more opportunities to pursue these passions. Whether you’re exploring scenic routes on your bike, discovering new places, taking photos, or continuing to engage in research and mentorship, I hope this next chapter brings you fresh inspiration, fulfillment, and joy. You have contributed so much to your students and to the field, and I have no doubt that whatever paths you choose ahead, your work and presence will continue to be a source of insight and inspiration to many.